Genre: Renaissance era romance.
Summary:
You’re a lowly scribe attached to a prominent house that’s about to become noble. Then all heck breaks loose. The queen is murdered and the kingdom is plunged into a courtly battle royale of sorts. The 5 noble houses compete for the favor of the other houses to see who will become the new king or queen.
Additional Comments:
- Twists 5/5: I can usually predict stories. And this one was no different for the most part, but they did manage to slip in a few very nice twists.
- There’s decent replay value in that you can court the king-regent or the Crown shield. I re-named them Dean and Caden, respectively. I think a different spelling of Caden might be the default.
- I chose to go with fiery red hair and the Rosario name.
- Characters stood out in being memorable. Even the purposefully annoying or villainous ones had their charms. Won’t say too much so I don’t spoil anything. Emery was truly annoying, but Percy came across as adorable. Annalisa might be my favorite.
- The writers packed in a lot of danger and court intrigue.
- Ending: Slightly bittersweet, but also just like a fairy tale.
- I may play again to see what it’s like romancing the Crown shield. It probably changes some of the dialogue.
- It takes quite a good story for me to consider replaying because I don’t think they give you as many diamonds on replay.
- The danger’s pretty real sometimes. They don’t pull punches in several chapters.
Conclusion:
If you’re in need of a good distraction, this book has a lot to offer. Magic, mystery, court gossip, court intrigue. Highly recommended. (And I don’t even like most romance books.)
Audiobook Promotions:
25 of my 34 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you.
The newest aren’t yet listed on AU. Never Again (mystery, suspense) and Reshner’s Royal Ranger (epic sci-fi). You’d have to email me for those codes.
Spirit’s Bane (Guardian Angel Files Book 1) – fantasy
Kindred Spirits (Guardian Angel Files Book 2) – fantasy
Violence in Vegas (Eagle Eyes Book 1) – not relisted yet; mystery
Rescue in Reno (Eagle Eyes Book 2)
Danger in Dallas (Eagle Eyes Book 3)
Devya’s Children Series Links:
Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts – short stories featuring Jillian.
The Dark Side of Science – official prequel to Devya’s Children; Genetically altered kids fight for the right to live.
Ashlynn’s Dreams – Genetically altered Dream Shaper learns her gift.
Nadia’s Tears – Jillian tries to awaken her sister, Nadia, from a coma.
Malia’s Miracles – Jillian and her siblings try to save a friend’s mother.
Varick’s Quest – Jillian and Danielle get kidnapped. Nadia’s also in trouble.
Check out my other titles available on Audiobooks Unleashed:
Beyond Broken Pencils – contemporary, literary
Shadow Council Combo (Books 1-4) – mystery; no more US codes
The Individual titles are available but not yet listed on an ad site
SC 1: Money Makes it Deadlier
SC 2: Revenge Makes it Sweeter
SC 3: Christmas Makes it Chaos
SC 4: Treachery Makes it Tense
Short stuff:
Innova – Christian Dystopia
The Golden City Captives – short fantasy
Fatal Interest – short mystery/thriller
Eagle Eyes – mystery thriller
Scratched Off – mystery, thriller; FBI agent vs serial killer, more intense than Shadow Council/Eagle Eyes
Awakening – Redeemer Chronicles Book 1, MG fantasy
The Holy War – Redeemer Chronicles Book 2, MG fantasy
Reclaim the Darklands – Redeemer Chronicles Book 3, MG fantasy
The Collins Case – Heartfelt Cases Book 1, Christian mystery
The Kiverson Case – Heartfelt Cases Book 2, Christian mystery
The Davidson Case – Heartfelt Cases Book 3, Christian mystery
Other titles:
5 Steps to Better Blurbs – for authors
5 Steps to Better Audiobooks – for authors and narrators
5 Steps to Surviving Chemistry – for chem students
